Beneteau
Oceanis 393
The Beneteau Oceanis 393 is one of the most successful production cruisers of all time, a boat that perfectly captured the market's desire for a 'big' 39-footer with a bright, voluminous interior and easy handling. Designed by Berret-Racoupeau, it features a high-volume hull with a distinctive 'clipper' bow and a very spacious saloon that feels like a 45-footer. It is positioned as the ultimate high-value family cruiser, equally popular for coastal hopping, chartering, and even long-distance cruising.
In the market, the 393 is known for its incredible 'bang for the buck.' It is a boat that provides a lot of living space and a very comfortable cockpit for a relatively modest price. The buyer profile is typically a family or a couple who prioritize harbor comfort and ease of use over raw sailing performance. The build quality is solid production standard, with a GRP hull and a glassed-in structural grid. The interior is bright and airy, with many units featuring the popular 'owner's' layout with a large forward cabin and a side-galley.
Surveyors should focus on the keel-to-hull joint, the rudder, and the condition of the interior liners. As with many high-volume production boats, the structural grid is a critical area; any signs of separation or cracking should be investigated. The rudder is a large spade; check for play and moisture. The engine, usually a Volvo Penta or Yanmar, should be checked for its service history, especially if it has high hours from charter use.
At a glance
Quick facts
- Production
- 2002–2007
- LOA
- 11.99 m
- Beam
- 3.96 m
- Model
- Oceanis 393
Key takeaways
- Best for: popular ~40 ft French production with wide Baltic listing pool
- Common issue: deck leaks at stanchions and charter-exit rigging wear
- Typical price: cross-shopped with SO39i — VAT and heating packages matter
Expert verdict
FairHelm rating: 7.6/10 — Popular French LOA band with Baltic liquidity; survey deck leaks and charter wear on ex-charter listings.
Vadim Nareyko, FairHelm Editorial · Last reviewed: 2026-07-12
Technical data
- Length overall (LOA)
- 11.99 m
- Beam
- 3.96 m
- Production years
- 2002–2007
Typical problems
Buyer FAQ
- Is the Oceanis 393 suitable for blue-water cruising?
Many 393s have crossed oceans and completed long-distance voyages. While it is primarily a coastal cruiser, its robust build and large tankage make it a viable option for blue-water work if properly equipped and maintained.
- What are the different interior layouts for the 393?
It was available in a two-cabin 'owner's' version and a three-cabin version. The two-cabin version is particularly popular for its huge forward cabin and the extra storage space in the cockpit locker.
- How does the Oceanis 393 handle under sail?
It is a stable and predictable cruiser. It is not a racing boat, but it moves well in a breeze and is very comfortable in a seaway. It does have a fair amount of windage, so it can be a bit of a handful in tight marinas with a crosswind.
- Are there any common issues with the saloon windows on the 393?
The large 'eyebrow' windows are a signature feature but can develop leaks over time. Re-sealing them is a common maintenance task that should be checked by a surveyor.
- What is the typical engine on an Oceanis 393?
Most were fitted with either a Volvo Penta D2-55 or a Yanmar 4JH series. Both are excellent, reliable engines that provide plenty of power for this hull.
Design History
Beneteau introduced the Oceanis 393 in 2002 as a larger sibling in the yard's early-2000s Oceanis range — Finot-Conq hull lines, bright saloons, and production scale aimed at family buyers and charter operators across Northern Europe. At about 11.6 m LOA and 3.92 m beam, the model offered near-40-foot usability with strong brokerage liquidity. Production ran from 2002 to 2007; registry and owner-club sources suggest approximately 600–700 completed hulls.
Beneteau positioned the Oceanis 393 for coastal and short offshore use in the 2002–2007 production window — explaining mixed maintenance histories on today's secondary market.
Mid-production changes were mostly interior trim, engine options, and deck hardware rather than fundamental hull revisions. That means survey condition, winter storage history, and rigging invoices usually matter more than the model year printed on the brochure. When you evaluate an Oceanis 393 on Blocket, treat the maintenance story as part of the specification — not a footnote after the asking price.
Annual Ownership Costs
| Cost item | Low (SEK) | High (SEK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marina berth | 24,000 | 50,000 | 11.6 m class, Stockholm/Gothenburg |
| Insurance | 9,000 | 23,000 | Agreed value and cruising area |
| Haul-out + winter | 13,000 | 29,000 | Yard package varies by region |
| Antifouling + hull care | 6,500 | 17,000 | Materials and labour |
| Engine / drivetrain | 5,500 | 17,000 | Service intervals and saildrive |
| Rigging reserve | 7,500 | 21,000 | Standing rigging age |
| Deck / structural reserve | 6,500 | 23,000 | Bedding, moisture follow-up |
| Total annual | 72,500 | 180,000 | Excludes major refit years |
Annual ownership for Oceanis 393 is predictable when service records are complete. Berth, storage, and insurance dominate fixed costs in Sweden. The largest variables are rigging replacement timing and any survey-led deck or drivetrain work triggered after purchase. Keep a separate technical reserve so routine season costs stay stable — especially on Blocket boats marketed as "ready to sail" without invoices.
Pre-Purchase Survey Checklist
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist: Beneteau Oceanis 393
Hull, Keel and Underwater Body
- Moisture-map the underwater hull; document osmosis or barrier-coat history on Oceanis 393 GRP of this era.
- Inspect keel-to-hull joint, keel bolts (if external iron), and backing structure for movement or recurring fairing cracks.
- Check rudder bearings and steering linkage under load during sea trial.
Deck and Hardware
- Test bedding at stanchions, tracks, and winches; open nearby interior access if damp stains appear.
- Inspect hatches and portlights for seal compression and core moisture at corners.
- Verify chainplate areas internally for rust staining or soft laminate.
Rig and Sail Systems
- Confirm standing rigging age with invoices; treat unknown age as near-term replacement on charter-history hulls.
- Inspect mast step, spreaders, and terminals for corrosion or fatigue marks.
- Operate furling and reefing systems under realistic load.
Machinery and Systems
- Review engine and saildrive service including cooling, exhaust elbow, and mounts.
- Audit batteries, charging, and owner-added electrical work for safe fusing.
- Check tanks, bilges, and hoses for age-related seepage.